Stormy skies loom over the empty Mets-Braves stadium as MLB postpones the series due to Hurricane Helene, shaking up the NL playoff race. ©Ideogram
Major League Baseball has announced a dramatic change to the National League playoff race, postponing the final two games of the crucial New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves series due to the approaching Hurricane Helene. The games, originally scheduled for this week in Atlanta, will now be played as a doubleheader next Monday, just one day after the regular season was supposed to conclude.
Postponement Impact on NL Playoff Race
The postponement comes at a pivotal moment, with the Mets holding a slim one-game lead in the NL Wild Card standings and the Arizona Diamondbacks half a game ahead of the Braves, who are fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. The decision means the Mets and Braves will now play two potentially decisive games just hours before the NL Wild Card Series is set to begin, throwing the entire NL playoff picture into chaos.
The ripple effects will likely leave much of the NL playoff field in limbo until the doubleheader concludes, forcing teams to adjust their strategies and preparations for the postseason.
Managers React to MLB’s Late Decision
The delay in MLB’s announcement has frustrated many, especially as the Atlanta area was expected to be impacted by Hurricane Helene for several days. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed his feelings about the last-minute decision, stating, “My job is to manage the team. We knew there was weather, but you can’t predict.”
Braves manager Brian Snitker echoed these sentiments while expressing concern for the upcoming series against the Kansas City Royals. “I hope the Royals can get here. I would hope we don’t get things screwed up for their series,” Snitker said, as Atlanta is set to host the Royals, who are in a fierce battle for an AL Wild Card spot.
Hurricane Helene’s Path
Hurricane Helene officially reached hurricane status on Wednesday, prompting widespread hurricane advisories across the Southeast. The storm is forecast to make landfall in Florida by Thursday, raising concerns for the entire region, including the Braves’ home city of Atlanta.
Diamondbacks’ Fate Could Determine Doubleheader’s Importance
Adding to the uncertainty, if the Diamondbacks are eliminated from playoff contention by Sunday, the significance of the Mets-Braves doubleheader may be reduced to determining final Wild Card seeding. In that case, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred will have the discretion to modify or potentially cancel the games, based on playoff implications.
As the storm approaches, fans and teams alike are left wondering how the rescheduled doubleheader and the storm itself will reshape the National League playoff race in the final days of the regular season.
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